How Critical Infrastructure Systems Work
Critical infrastructure guide

Cloud and SaaS Dependencies

How externally hosted digital services become infrastructure dependencies.

Systems note: infrastructure classifications, standards and responsibilities vary by country and operator. Use current local requirements for real decisions.

Why this matters

How externally hosted digital services become infrastructure dependencies.

Core system ideas

Cloud services depend on data centres, networks, identity, power and provider operations.

A geographically distributed service can still have shared software or identity dependencies.

Continuity planning should identify which essential functions require external platforms and what alternatives exist.

What to review

Useful reviews usually combine service criticality, dependencies, condition, capacity, maintenance, alternate arrangements, restoration time and clear ownership rather than relying on one isolated metric.